When formalized mandatory education in this country began, students were not required to attend school during the summer months.  At that time, our country was still primarily agrarian in nature, and many children were necessary to assist in the chores of the family farm. Therefore, “summer vacation” really wasn’t a vacation.  It mean laboring in…

If you Google “Music Education NCLB,” you’ll find article after article decrying the cutting of music and arts programs from as far back as almost 20 years ago. Even back then, experts spoke of the positive effects of music education on scholastic performance because of its influence relative to discipline, competitiveness, achievement, creativity, and physical…

Back in 1956, a team of researchers led by Dr. Benjamin Bloom identified three domains of educational activity: Cognitive, Affective and Kinesthetic. Cognitive refers to the processes involved with learning that happen via the mind.  Rote memorization, scaffolding, and mnemonic devices are examples of learning involving processes which engage the mind.  It’s where knowledge “resides”…

Back in 1988, a company called Nike launched a very successful marketing campaign with the tag line, “Just Do It.” That phrase became so ingrained within the collective psyche of our society that it’s now believed that if you’re not seen as “doing something,” you’re wasting time. Further, with the promise of technology being able…